Nigeria’s Super Falcons have opened camp in Lomé ahead of Friday’s first-leg, final qualifying match for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Benin.
Head coach Justine Madugu confirmed the team will hold their first training session on Monday afternoon in the Togolese capital as preparations intensify for the clash at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué.
Six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala is among the first players to report, joined by new call-up Joy Omewa, Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin, China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and home-based quintet Anderline Mgbechi, Blessing Ilivieda, Miracle Usani, Taiwo Afolabi, and Kafayat Mafisere.
Nigeria, the record African champions, face their West African neighbours on Friday, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m. Togo time (4:00 p.m. Nigeria time). The return leg will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
Match officials have been appointed by CAF, with Ngum Fatou (Gambia) as referee. She will be assisted by Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye (both Mauritania), while Isatou Touray (Gambia) serves as fourth official. Halimatou Hamidou (Niger) is the match commissioner and Martha Nyekanyeka (Malawi) the referee assessor.
The 2026 WAFCON will be hosted by Morocco and doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding extra stakes to the Falcons’ qualifier.
Super Falcons Squad
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)